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posted Mar 2, 2025 12:39:22 AM

I lived in my home from 2014-16, rented it from 2016-20, and then lived in it from 2020-2024. It became a rental again in fall 2024. What is the total depreciation?

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2 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 2, 2025 5:57:02 AM

To calculate the total depreciation on your rental property, you need to consider only the periods when it was used as a rental: 2016-2020 and Fall 2024 onward. Assuming you meant it became a rental again in late 2024, here's how you can calculate it:  Per the IRS  residential rentals are generally depreciated over a recovery period of 27.5 years using the straight line method of depreciation and a mid-month convention as residential rental property.

Depreciation Calculation

First Rental Period (2016-2020):

  • Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over 27.5 years for residential rental property.
  • If the building's basis is $200,000, the annual depreciation would be $200,000 / 27.5 = $7,273.

Second Rental Period (Fall 2024 onward):

  • Depreciation resumes when the property is placed back in service as a rental.
  • For simplicity, let's assume it was rented for 3 months in 2024: $7,273 / 12 * 3 = $1,818.

Example Calculation

  • First Rental Period (2016-2020): 4 years of rental.
    • Annual Depreciation: $7,273.
    • Total Depreciation: 4 * $7,273 = $29,092.
  • Second Rental Period (Fall 2024): 3 months of rental.
    • Depreciation for 2024: $1,818.
  • Total Depreciation: $29,092 + $1,818 = $30,910.

For more detailed information and examples, you can refer to the IRS Publication 527 on residential rental property

Level 15
Mar 3, 2025 5:40:33 PM


@SabrinaD2 wrote:

 

  • Depreciation resumes when the property is placed back in service as a rental.

 

 

It doesn't "resume".  It restarts, using the lower of (a) Adjusted Basis or (b) Fair Market Value on date of conversion.